Ex-journalist to fast-track civil action against State

Ian Bailey should not be extradited to France over the murder of a film-maker in Co Cork 15 years ago, judges ruledIan Bailey (centre) and his partner Jules Thomas and solicitor Frank Buttimer (right) speak to the media outside the Supreme Court in Dublin after he won his challenge against his extradition to France. Photo: PA

FORMER freelance journalist Ian Bailey is to fast-track a potential multi-million euro claim against the State following his successful Supreme Court appeal yesterday.

The State faces separate actions arising from Mr Bailey's successful Supreme Court appeal against his extradition to France.

Mr Bailey is set to fast-track his civil action against the State over his treatment by gardai and has already lodged a formal complaint with the Garda Ombudsman Commission.

Mr Bailey has also backed suggestions a public inquiry may be required to look into the dramatic details revealed during his Supreme Court action.

Meanwhile, Mr Bailey said last night his legal team is to attempt to have five unsuccessful libel actions he took against seven British and Irish newspaper groups overturned.

"The question of those libel actions is now being considered by my legal team as we know from the Jeffrey Archer case in the UK there was a precedent set for the overturning of libel actions which are determined on fraudulent evidence, which I would say is the case here," he said.

He has claimed that the actions of State officials effectively destroyed his life over the past 15 years.